ODNR Fishing Report 09/28/2004: OH

Article Posted: September 28, 2004

** The 15" walleye minimum size limit remains in effect for the entireseason. Anglers are reminded that the daily bag limit for trout and salmonon Lake Erie and its tributaries is 2, beginning September 1 through May 15,2005. The minimum size limit is 12 inches.**

Surface temperatures are around 66 degrees.

Western Basin

WalleyeMost walleye fishing effort has shifted to the sandbar area between Huronand Avon. As water temperatures drop shallow nearshore areas and reefsaround the Bass Islands and Kelleys Island will produce walleye. Trollcrankbaits or spoons during low light periods for best results.

Yellow PerchThe best fishing has been W of west reef near North Bass Island, aroundNiagara reef, on the gravel pit, near the Marblehead lighthouse, and near"C" can of the international border NE of Kelleys Island. Fish just off thebottom using perch spreaders tipped with shiners.

Smallmouth BassSmallmouth bass fishing has been improving as temperatures drop and fishmove nearshore. The best smallmouth bass fishing has been on the reefs ofthe Camp Perry firing range, around the Bass Islands, Kelleys Island andSandusky Bay. Use tube jigs, drop shot rigs with goby imitations, softcraws or shiners for best results.

Central Basin

WalleyeThe best walleye fishing has been E of the N end of the sandbar, W of the Nend of the sandbar, around Ruggles reef between Huron and Vermilion, and 7to 9 miles NE of Ashtabula in 68 to 70 feet of water. Trolling spoons orworm harnesses using divers or downriggers and also trolling crankbaits haveproduced the best catches.

Yellow PerchYellow perch fishing has been best 2 miles NE of Lorain, E of the middle ofthe sandbar, 1 to 2 miles N of Vermilion, 2 to 3 miles NW of Fairport Harborin 50 to 55 feet of water, 3 to 4 miles N of Cleveland in 40 to 52 feet ofwater, and 4 miles N of Ashtabula in 55 to 60 feet of water. A perchspreader tipped with shiners is the most popular set-up.

SteelheadSteelhead are beginning to show up in the rivers. Over the past weekendfish were caught in Conneaut Creek up to the Rt. 7 bridge and in the GrandRiver at the Fairport Harbor pier and Painesville Dam. Anglers are usingspawn sacs and jigs and maggots.

White BassWhite bass have been caught by anglers using shiners or agitators with jigsat Edgewater and the Cleveland lakefront in 30 to 50 feet of water.